Hyundai Santa Fe Named 2013 "CUV of Texas"

COSTA MESA, Calif., Oct. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The all-new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe has been named the 2013 "CUV of Texas" by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA). Issued at the 21^th annual Texas Truck Rodeo near San Antonio, the win complements the Santa Fe Sport's victory as "Compact CUV of Texas" in last-year's competition. 

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"We are very pleased the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe has been named 'CUV of Texas' and proud to see that the Santa Fe family continues its winning streak at the Truck Rodeo," said Mike O'Brien, vice president, Corporate and Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "Given the fact that Santa Fe Sport was named Compact Crossover at last year's Rodeo, TAWA members have further confirmed the amazing versatility of this crossover with its five, six or seven passenger configurations."

Comprised of active TAWA media members, the 2013 Texas Truck Rodeo evaluated some of the industry's leading trucks, SUVs and crossover utilities. In order to put each vehicle through its paces, the famed Knibbe Ranch in Spring Branch, Texas served as the event's proving grounds. With driving surfaces varying from bumpy pavement, loose gravel, slick mud, steep hills, jagged rocks and water crossings, each candidate stayed busy throughout the two days of testing.

"TAWA members overwhelmingly selected the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe as the Crossover of Texas," said Michael Marrs, TAWA President. "Crossovers are important to Texans as they need vehicles that deliver on comfort, functionality and reliability. Hyundai exceeded those expectations and had the best product in the category."

Entered into one of the most cross-shopped segments in the automotive industry, the Santa Fe topped tough competitors such as the 2014 Dodge Journey, 2014 Chevrolet Equinox, 2014 Kia Sorento, 2014 GMC Terrain Denali and 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander. Hailed by journalists for its blend of value, mileage, capability and driving dynamics, the Santa Fe found its way up rocky hills, down steep inclines, and around sweeping back-roads all while returning impressive fuel economy and pleasing driving dynamics. 

With two days of evaluation, TAWA members judged the vehicles on a variety of considerations. Aspects from exterior styling to road manners as well as pricing, fuel mileage, and off-road capability were all taken into account. Voting was conducted anonymously via electronic ballots.

The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe is a new breed of crossover utilities with multiple trims, all-new powertrains and segment exclusive features and equipment. With a segment leading standard 290 horsepower 3.3 liter GDI V6, six-speed automatic transmission, and availability of either seven or six passenger configurations, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe has rightfully earned the title "CUV of Texas". Blue Link telematics and Driver Selectable Steering Mode (DSSM) come standard and help separate the Santa Fe from the crowd.

An all-new "Fluidic Sculpture" design gives the third generation Santa Fe the impact of constant motion while opulent interior features such as heated seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel give world-class comfort and amenities. Combined with 320 lb weight loss compared to the outgoing Veracruz model and an IIHS "Top Safety Pick", a base price of $28,600 keeps the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe competitive in a very crowded segment.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 820 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. Hyundai Assurance includes Assurance Connected Care that provides Hyundai owners with proactive safety and car care services made possible by the Hyundai Blue Link telematics platform, complimentary for three years. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle service scheduling.

For more details on Hyundai Assurance, please visit www.HyundaiAssurance.com

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